"The only test we would apply is whether or not such a structure would benefit the energy consumers of Northern Ireland - and we believe that in the long run it undoubtedly would."

However Mr. Cargo warned: “As ever with such proposals the ‘devil is in the detail’. Indeed there are currently flaws in the detailed design of the single electricity market due to go live in November which work against the interests of Northern Ireland energy consumers.

"Hopefully these flaws can be corrected – but it is important that the gas sector learns from the electricity experience and puts the consumer first."